Rolex Datejust 6605

Rolex

Model: Datejust Reference: 6605 Date: Circa 1956 Movement: 25-jewel Cal.1065 automatic, No.N654626 Dial: Champagne, *50m = 165ft, Superlative Chronometer By Official Test* , applied gilt dart hour markers, black outer 1/2 second divisions with luminous dot 5 minute markers, magnified date aperture at 3, gilt dagger hands with luminous inserts, centre seconds Case: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back, fluted bezel, No.No.175289 Strap/Bracelet: Polished Jubilee link Buckle/Clasp: Signed 18K gold folding clasp, stamped 4 56 Signed: Case, dial & movement, dial additionally signed Serpico Y Laino Size: 36mm Footnotes: Launched 10 years after the Datejust's inception, the reference 6605 was produced for just three years between 1956 and 1959. Alongside the reference 6604, it is the only reference to house the calibre 1065. In 1959, Rolex would turn to calibres 1565 and 1575. The current examples' rarity is furthered by the unusual printing of the dial. As opposed to the more typical *Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified* , the dial of this lot is printed *Superlative Chronometer By Official Test* . This printing appears to be unique to the 6605 and only a small percentage of them. To add to it's rarity this watch is also co-signed by the illustrious Venezuelan retailer Serpico Y Laino, as well as having the depth rating printed below 12 o'clock. In 2022 a further Rolex 6605 also co-signed by Serpico Y Laino was offered at Bonhams London with a serial number of 175287, just 2 digits away from the current lot. For any academic within the horological world, a close run of serial numbers within a rare subject is extremely satisfying to uncover.